Quick and cozy soup for a cooooold day.
Hello everyone,
We’re in the middle of a cold snap. Are you all shoveled out from the big snow storm? My sheep are completely undisturbed by the cold and snow, eating gorgeous hay, getting fatter, oblivious to the discomfort this farmer may feel. As they should be.
There’s nothing better, in my opinion, than a bowl of hearty soup at the end of a long day of chores in the cold. Something tasty, nourishing, and quick, something that feels like a hug.
Here’s what I pulled together last night, on my wood cook stove. It took about a half an hour, then I let it simmer while is had a glass of wine.
Lucky Dog Farm Merguez and Kale soup
Brown one pound of Lucky Dog Farm Merguez with a chopped onion and a couple of minced garlic cloves., in a couple of glugs of olive oil. While it’s browning, chop up 4-5 medium potatoes and dice a big carrot.
Throw the veggies in with the browned merguez. Give it a good stir, cover and allow it to steam for a bit to start to soften the veggies. Add 4-6 cups of broth or stock—chicken or veg works best, but use whatever you have. (Last night, I used turkey stock that I had in the freezer from our Thanksgiving bird. Yum yum yum.) If you have a can of beans—cannellini, pinto, black, kidney, whatever you have—add those too. While it comes to a simmer, chop up some kale. You’ll add this after the veggies have softened. Not a kale fan? You can add chopped spinach, or chard, or even some cabbage. It’s your soup!
If you want a creamy-textured soup, before you add the greens, mash some of the soup in the pot with a big spoon or potato masher. Add the kale, cumin and smoked paprika to taste, along with salt and pepper.
Simmer until the kale is cooked, and serve. A grating of parmesan cheese would be welcome. You could throw in a small can of diced tomatoes too, but I just wasn’t feeling it last night.
This soup was marvelous last night, and I know it will be even better today after the flavors have developed. Really good with a nice baguette or some toast and butter. (My husband said it was the best soup he’d ever had.)
Need some Lucky Dog Farm Merguez? Order here!
Let me know if you tried the soup, and if you changed it up. I love to hear from you! You can reach me at LuckyDogFarm17@gmail.com
Stay Warm!
Farmer Judith